Category: countryside

countryside

The Benefits Of Spending More Time In The Countryside And How Those With Low Mobility Can Still Enjoy It

The great British countryside offers a number of benefits for both our physical and mental health, but it can sometimes be difficult for those with low mobility to be able to access it. In this article, we’ll cover some of the key benefits of spending more time in the great outdoors, as well as how it’s possible for those with mobility issues to access more … Continue reading The Benefits Of Spending More Time In The Countryside And How Those With Low Mobility Can Still Enjoy It

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countryside

Reflections on a Cornish Rockpool

BY DOMINIC WIGHTMAN Yesterday, as I wandered with my dogs along the rugged Cornish coast, it struck me that a seemingly inconspicuous rockpool off the beach at Duporth has silently witnessed the relentless march of time. Encased in a frame of weathered stone, this modest pool has observed and mirrored the lives of those who have paused to gaze into its clear depths over many … Continue reading Reflections on a Cornish Rockpool

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countryside

Ticks and Lunatics

BY CHARLIE ABASCAL In the UK’s picturesque countryside, particularly the uplands of Scotland, an escalating crisis looms—one marked by the rise of tick populations. These small, blood-sucking parasites present more than a simple annoyance; they pose a significant threat to wildlife, livestock, and humans. Ticks are notorious carriers of Lyme disease, a growing danger to all who enjoy the great outdoors. Despite the severity of … Continue reading Ticks and Lunatics

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countryside

Dear Secretary of State, Mr Steve Reed

Dear Mr Reed, Many congratulations from the Squires on your new role as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. No doubt for the last weeks and months you have had all sorts attempt to curry favour, from farming lobbyists to Croydon’s animal rights terrorists (if you want the latest list, please feel free to get in touch), from moorland reps to ‘Stale … Continue reading Dear Secretary of State, Mr Steve Reed

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countryside

Raptor Persecraption: Heavens to Murgatroyd

BY BEN O’ROURKE Heavens to Murgatroyd! How did a botched bird report become the seminal study on raptor persecution? Most of the tags attached to the birds of prey failed and less than a handful were confirmed illegally killed, yet researchers fiddled the figures to support an agenda. Ruth Tingay sat in her office one morning in March, 2019, clutching a wad of freshly-printed paper, … Continue reading Raptor Persecraption: Heavens to Murgatroyd

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countryside

The Biodiversity Triumph of Glenogil Estate

BY BERT BURNETT The film “In Search of Science” (2018) showcases the remarkable variety of species discovered by international scientists on an Angus Glens estate. If you haven’t seen it, it’s well worth a watch. Produced by Pace Productions UK, the film documents visits to Glenogil Estate by German conservationist Dr Daniel Hoffman and his team from Game Conservancy Deutschland. In total, 98 different bird … Continue reading The Biodiversity Triumph of Glenogil Estate

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countryside

Capercaillie in Scotland

BY CALUM CAMPBELL I photographed this magnificent cock capercaillie (below) a couple of years ago. I had mixed emotions: excitement and thrill but also sadness at their plight. Currently, the capercaillie population is so low it is hardly sustainable. Their numbers are alarmingly declining due to several reasons. Capercaillie chicks need June to be dry. About three-quarters of their energy is used for rapid growth, … Continue reading Capercaillie in Scotland

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countryside, Letters

Gamekeeper Persecution

BY BERT BURNETT Dear Editor, According to the RSPB, satellite tags affixed to eagles’ backs are deemed entirely reliable. When they cease to function, it indicates a high likelihood of foul play, suggesting that the tracker has been intentionally disabled and destroyed. In the event of the bird’s natural demise, the RSPB asserts their ability to locate the deceased bird through its tracker. Currently, every … Continue reading Gamekeeper Persecution

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countryside, Local Government

Green with Ennui

BY ROGER WATSON Plans to create a unitary mayoral authority covering the present East Riding of Yorkshire Council area including Hull, which presently has its own city council, were published on the 23rd of November 2023. The details are contained in the Hull and East Yorkshire Devolution Deal. As I explained recently in the Daily Sceptic, a major plank of the devolution proposals is achieving … Continue reading Green with Ennui

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countryside, Farming

Strategies for Navigating Productivity Hurdles and Maximising Crop Yields

BY CSM STAFF WRITER Crop yield is an important agricultural metric that determines the amount of produce per land unit that ultimately gets on our tables as food. Needless to say, it has a direct impact on global food security constantly threatened by conflicts, natural hazards, economic shocks, and a growing population. By 2050, there will be an estimated 9.8 billion people, and to provide … Continue reading Strategies for Navigating Productivity Hurdles and Maximising Crop Yields

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countryside

Notes from the Actual Countryside

BY GARY BAXTER So, Dear Friends, it seems offgen offwatt or just off-whatever-they-want-to-call-the-bollox have finally come to their senses over Thames Water. The shareholders have told them to f off as well. ABOUT BLOODY TIME! Your clown of a CEO thought he could get away with the sewage pumping, or is it dumping? You thought your clients would foot the bill for your total incompetence. … Continue reading Notes from the Actual Countryside

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countryside

The Environmental Impact of Glastonbury Festival

Every summer since 1970, music enthusiasts from across the globe have converged on the picturesque countryside town of Glastonbury. While this quaint Somerset village largely goes unnoticed for most of the year, come summer it’s the ultimate destination for both music fans and pagans alike as Glastonbury Tor forms the heart of many summer solstice celebrations. Glastonbury Festival is, of course, renowned for its stellar … Continue reading The Environmental Impact of Glastonbury Festival

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countryside

Notes from the Actual Countryside

BY GARY BAXTER You may think that my Notes from the actual countryside rants are nothing but rants but believe me they convey the true strength of feeling in the British Countryside. We really are getting more than just a little bit pissed off out here in the sticks! We are tired of the townie rabble. Chavs and spivs dressed up as ‘doctors’ or TV … Continue reading Notes from the Actual Countryside

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countryside

7 Fun Things to Do in the Countryside When You Have Kids

Spending time in the great outdoors is one of the joys of living in or visiting the British countryside. When you’ve got kids in tow, it opens up a world of opportunities for fun family adventures. Here are 7 ideas for making the most of the fresh air with your little ones. Go on a Nature Walk Let the kids take the lead on a … Continue reading 7 Fun Things to Do in the Countryside When You Have Kids

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countryside, Lead, Politics

HSE and Steve Barclay to Close Churches and National Trust Buildings?

BY MARK CRUDGINGTON In 2023, the HSE released its “Opinion on the Annex 15 dossier proposing restrictions on lead in ammunition.” As is often the case with reports from government organisations, the authors seem to opt for verbosity where brevity would suffice. One can easily lose enthusiasm while wading through a swamp of jargon that offers little substance. Regrettably, I’ve squandered a significant portion of … Continue reading HSE and Steve Barclay to Close Churches and National Trust Buildings?

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